APU’s New Business Curriculum Aims to Future-Proof Graduates

APU answers industry demands to future-proof business graduates by redesigning its business curriculum. Learn what’s different here.

Published 01 Jul 2022

APU’s New Business Curriculum Aims to Future-Proof Graduates - Feature-Image

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has recently redesigned its programme structure in the School of Business to include a broad range of new digital technologies that address data intelligence, digital transformation and user experience. This is to prepare graduates for an unpredictable job market that requires diverse skill sets.

This is in line with APU’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) strategy to prepare students for the competitive workforce by incorporating automation, customisation, transformation and data exchange in the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

“Today’s graduates are required to be digitally literate, able to communicate, handle ambiguity and exhibit soft skills through a people-centred approach,” said APU School of Business senior head Assoc Prof Dr Jason Turner.

There is a growing need for graduates to be multi-taskers, able to strategise, problem-solve and interpret data and situations to find creative solutions to inter-disciplinary problems. APU’s business programmes across the School of Business portfolio are designed to enhance entrepreneurial acumen and transfer skills that allow graduates to secure employment across a range of industries and specialisms.

Flexible study options through additional certification and micro-credentials

APU also provides flexible study options through micro-credentials and additional certification, allowing students to personalise their learning experience as they progress in their studies.

For starters, students can opt to enrol for the APU-CMI Dual Certification which adds a CMI qualification to their degree. As part of their studies, students will become affiliate members of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), a chartered professional institution for management and leadership.

In addition, as one of the SAP University Alliances members, APU’s business students can also graduate with an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) certificate through the SAP Platform module. As one of the world’s leading producers of software for the management of business processes, SAP acknowledges these students for their proficiency in applying SAP ERP to real-life business cases, which ultimately increases graduates’ employability.

“As a graduate in BA (Hons) Business Management specialising in E-Business from APU, all of the modules that were relevant to E-Business, E-Commerce, and IR4.0 supported me in my current job as a key account manager in Business Development, in one of the biggest e-commerce platforms, Shopee. I am now capable of setting business growth plans, analysing data, and advising strategy to increase traction and sales for the company,” shared Chan Chieh Yiing, APU alumni.

Another APU alumni, Christina Teo, shares similar sentiment about the programme. “IR4.0 related modules have helped me gain an understanding of technologies that businesses use. When I entered the working environment, it was easier for me to operate and navigate technologies such as SAP ERP, e-commerce, digital marketing and others. When the company decided to implement new technologies to assist their everyday operational activities, I felt capable of handling the challenge.”

Both Chan and Teo were among the sought-after graduates in the industry. According to the recent Annual Graduate Tracer Study by the Higher Education Ministry, 100% of APU graduates were employed upon graduation, which indicates the higher education institution’s success and pride in nurturing professionals for global careers.

APU students will also have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme where they will receive two sets of degree certificates and transcripts upon graduation; one from APU, Malaysia, and another from De Montfort University (DMU), United Kingdom.